|
Eastbourne
History - 500BC to 1849AD
Eastbourne
has only existed for about 150 years. The origins of the town
dates back to about 500BC when the Celts first settled on the
Eastbourne side of the South Downs. In 410AD Saxon invaders settled
around the stream or 'burne' which still rises in Motcombe Gardens
and gave the town its original name of 'Burne'. This was later
changed to 'Bourne' in 1086 when the parish was entered in the
Doomsday Book after the Norman Conquest, and 'East' was added
in the 13th century to avoid confusion with nearby West Bourne.
East Bourne
prospered during the Middle Ages as a major sheep farming and
fishing area. In 1555 it was sold to three wealthy Sussex families:
Burton, Gildredge and Selwyn, whose legacy can be seen in street
names throughout the town today. Shortly after this, in 1556,
Bourne Place was built. It stands today as Compton Place, a Grade
I listed building.
In common
with much of Britain, East Bourne's prosperity began to fade in
the 17th century and Hailsham took over as the wealthiest town
in the area. However, two events in the 18th century were to prove
crucial in the development of Eastbourne as we know it today.
In 1752 Dr Richard Russell of Lewes published his 'Dissertation
on the Use of Sea Water' and encouraged people to visit the seaside
to improve their health. Following this, in 1780, King George
III sent four of his children to Eastbourne for the summer.
Although neither
of these events brought immediate expansion they were crucial
steps towards establishing Eastbourne as the tourist resort you
can see today. The photograph above shows bathers on the beach
in 1910
|
Home
